About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working in Ghana since 1958 in Health, Agriculture, Peacebuilding, Water and Sanitation, Microfinance and Education programs.

Job Summary:

As a lead for implementing monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) initiatives for the Strengthening the Capacity of Women Religious in Early Childhood Development Phase IV (SCORE ECD IV) project, you will be tasked to consult with project team(s) to develop and achieve project-level learning objectives; ensure projects meet MEAL policies and procedures; and develop action plans to raise the bar of project level MEAL performance. The Project Officer-MEAL’s role also includes but is not limited to: the development of standardized data collection tools and database systems, frequent data collection, verification of results reported, analysis and presentation of findings and project progress, implementation of project accountability mechanisms, and the provision of feedback to partners. The Project Officer-MEAL will ensure that systems are in place to measure programs’ impact and progress, and that data is readily available to be used as a foundation for programmatic adjustments and evidence-based decision-making.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

1. Project MEAL Startup

• Lead in the development and standardization of forms and tools to collect data for project monitoring indicators, results, effects and impacts (Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting, also known as SMILER) to comply with donor and CRS standards.
• Promote the use of ICT4D and assist in developing digital data collection systems
• Ensure that all project monitoring arrangements comply with project and donor agreements.

1. Project Monitoring

• In collaboration with the Project Manager and MEAL Coordinator, lead all project level data collection exercises.
• Conduct quarterly field visits with Project team to monitor the implementation of project activities.
• Lead in the reporting of annual project level Participant and Service Delivery Indicator (PSDI) data according to agency standards, definitions and processes.
• Validate all collected data to ensure accuracy and quality and analyze it using available ICT4D tools and software.
• Ensure all data is recorded in relevant project databases in a timely and accurate manner

1. Project Evaluations

• Lead data collection for baseline, midline and endline values for all projects as outlined in MEAL Policies and Procedures.
• Lead efforts to coordinate final evaluation and after-action reviews as outlined in MEAL Policies and Procedures.
• Lead all aspects of project studies and evaluations, including planning logistics for field research, overseeing sampling strategies, trainings, and supervising data collection to ensure reliability and validity of data.

1. Budgeting 

• Draft budget for all project-level MEAL activities and support budgeting during design phase of proposal development as well as project budget realignments during implementation.

1. Accountability and Learning 

• Oversee the documentation of results and evaluation findings, ensuring timely sharing with key stakeholders.
• Spearhead the preparation of quarterly and annual project reports that comply with donor requirements.
• Support knowledge management initiatives by completing past performance references and maintaining an updated Gateway system.
• Lead the organization of participatory events with partners and beneficiaries to reflect on project monitoring data, identify learning and recommendations as a part of all evaluations and reviews.
• Lead in the implementation and operationalization of all project beneficiary feedback and response systems in accordance with CRS MEAL policies and Procedures.

1. Other

• Review data collection systems as implemented by partners, to ensure rigor and appropriateness of practices
• Support in provide capacity building and accompaniment to the project’s partner MEAL staff in line with partner organizational strengthening efforts.

Required Languages – English. Must be able to communicate fluently in oral and in writing.

Travel – Travel 50% of the time to project sites

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, development studies, social work or other relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience with digital data collection systems and tools is required
• Experience working with national or local partners in participatory action planning and community engagement activities.
• Strong skills in assessing and developing partner capacity including institutional strengthening in MEAL
• Experience using statistical analytical software/tools, SPSS, MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in English; other local languages a strong advantage

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: SCORE III Project Officers, Head of Programming, Country Representative, other CRS staff

External: District Assemblies, Decentralized relevant state departments, ministries and agencies, Catholic Church Partners and consultants, research and academic institutions, etc.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.